Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically died at the age of 28 in a car accident in Spain, alongside his younger brother, André Silva. The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. According to Spanish authorities, the Lamborghini Urus they were travelling in veered off the road and caught fire, reportedly due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle.
The accident claimed the lives of both brothers instantly. Emergency services responded to the scene, but the intensity of the fire made rescue efforts impossible.
Jota’s untimely death comes just days after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. The couple had celebrated their wedding on June 22, 2025.
Born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, Jota began his professional football career with Paços de Ferreira. He later played for Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and joined Liverpool in 2020. During his time at Liverpool, he made 123 appearances and scored 47 goals, contributing to the club’s Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup victories.
Internationally, Jota earned 49 caps for the Portuguese national team, scoring 14 goals. He was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
His brother, André Silva, aged 25, was also a professional footballer, playing as an attacking midfielder for Portuguese second-division club Penafiel.
The football community has been deeply affected by the news. Liverpool FC expressed their devastation, describing the loss as “unimaginable” and requesting privacy for the grieving family. Tributes have poured in from teammates, football icons, and public figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Jamie Carragher, and Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, all mourning his passing and honoring his legacy both on and off the field.
The Portuguese Football Federation also expressed profound sorrow, stating, “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
Diogo Jota will be remembered not only for his talent and achievements on the pitch but also for his dedication to his family and his vibrant personality. His sudden passing is a significant loss to the world of football.